The Benefits Of Volunteering With The Army Cadet Force (Childrens Charity)

The Benefits Of Volunteering For The Army Cadet Force

If anyone is looking for an opportunity to work with children aged 12 to 18.9 years of age in a positive and challenging environment, they should consider working with the Army Cadet Force (ACF).

This is an organization that was started in 1859. Octavia Hill on Frimley Park formed the first ACF unit called the Robin Hood Rifles. These units were designed as volunteer units. There were eight public schools that had independent cadet units that eventually turned into the Combined Cadet Force.

The Territorial Army was created from Volunteer as well as Independent Cadet companies in 1908. The units at the public schools became associated with Officer Training. When the War office took charge of the independent cadet units, the ACF was created.

Today the ACF offers its cadets a chance at adventure, fun and making great friends. An ACF is located all over the UK and has 46,000 cadets and 8,500 adults who volunteer their time. The year 2010 was a special year for the ACF as it celebrated 150 years of providing programs for cadets. It is one of the largest volunteer youth organisations is the UK.

The youth who participate in the ACF come with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds. The programs of the ACF provide an opportunity for them to experience a variety of activities designed to help them grow and mature mentally, physically and socially. There are ACF activities oriented toward the military, but many others that have an emphasis on community.

It’s the combination of activities that focus on both military and the community that makes it possible for the ACF to give their cadets the special opportunity at personal development. The activities are made to emphasize having fun, making friends and give each cadet the necessary mental, physical and social tools they’ll need to succeed in whatever they pursue in life.

The ACF is not a branch of the British Armed Forces, but it is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. Cadets are not automatically required to participate in a military call up. Cadets are able to join the armed forces when they reach the appropriate age and meet the qualifications.

Cadets have a chance to participate in various type of adventure training such as rock-climbing, skiing, mountain walking, open canoeing and more. Much of this depends on where the cadets live. These adventures can take place during the year, but is done at the annual ACF camp.

Cadets are given a chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), which is one of most popular youth development programs in the world. Cadets can work toward earning their DofE Award by participating in regular activities. This Award is very respected and valued by employers and universities.

The Army Cadet Force Association (ACFA) is a registered charity that is committed to promoting the principles and activities of the ACF. Adult volunteers are always welcome. There is no previous experience necessary and all training is provided. It may require as little as one or two evenings a week. The best thing is that you can volunteer at any of the hundreds of detachments based around the UK, for example if you’re in the south then you may find the Devon ACF the best for you, or if you’re in London you can choose one of several borough detachments. The benefits cadets get from being a part of the ACF is very valuable. It's impossible to measure what the adults who volunteer with the ACF get from working with cadets.  The skills learned are priceless. 


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